California Center for Pituitary Disorders at UCSF

The California Center for Pituitary Disorders at The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a multi-disciplinary center designed to provide comprehensive care to all patients with newly diagnosed and pre-existing pituitary disorders. Our program is built upon a strong foundation of decades of recognized excellence in neurosurgical and neuroendocrine care and research at UCSF.

We have assembled a team of dynamic physicians, all recognized experts and current leaders in their respective fields, who have considerable experience in the evaluation and management of patients with diseases of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Specialists within the disciplines of neurosurgery, neuroendocrinology, neuroradiology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, neurology, neuro-ophthalmology, and psychiatry comprise our working group. Center physicians are available for either consultation or assumption of care regarding diagnostic and management strategies for patients with pituitary tumors and other disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit. We have devised and implemented unique strategies to permit the delivery of efficient, timely, state-of-the-art care to patients. We are committed to excellence in patient care, to the advancement of knowledge regarding all aspects of pituitary diseases, and to education and involvement of referring physicians in the care of their patients referred to our center.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Three 3T scanners and nine 1.5T scanners, all equipped with the most up-to-date software and protocols, produce high-resolution images.

Dynamic pituitary imaging: The pituitary region is rapidly scanned while a contrast agent is infused in order to observe enhancement of normal tissue in contrast to pituitary lesions. This technique is especially useful for identifying small tumors that may be difficult to discern from normal gland on standard images.

In 2000, the direct endonasal approach for transsphenoidal surgery was developed at UCSF making this surgery even less invasive and greatly reducing surgical complications. More of these operations have been performed at UCSF than any other site in the United States.

Advantages to the endonasal transsphenoidal operation:

No intranasal or sublabial incisionsNo nasal packingImproved visualization and illumination with the use of an endoscope85% of patients return home the day after surgery, regardless of tumor sizeComplete removal of tumors as large as 5 cmLarge experience minimizes risk of recurrence or need for postoperative radiotherapyTumor is removed with preservation of the normal glandMinimal blood lossLow complication rates (0% mortality in over 1000 operations, <1% major morbidity)New techniques to eliminate CSF leaks

Available Now!

The Pituitary Patient Resource Guide Sixth Edition is now available! Be one of the first to have the most up-to-date information. The Pituitary Patient Resource Guide a one of a kind publication intended as an invaluable source of information not only for patients but also their families, physicians, and all health care providers. It contains information on symptoms, proper testing, how to get a diagnosis, and the treatment options that are available. It also includes Pituitary Network Association's patient resource listings for expert medical care.

Continuing Education Program

If you are a nurse or medical professional, register for PNA CEU Membership and earn CEU credits to learn about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for patients with pituitary disorders. Help PNA reduce the time it takes for patients to get an accurate diagnosis.

Disclaimer: PNA does not engage in the practice of medicine. It is not a medical authority, nor does it claim to have medical expertise. In all cases, PNA recommends that you consult your own physician regarding any course of treatment or medication.